Knee Buckle
ca. 1770-1780 (made)
| Artist/Maker | |
| Place of origin |
Gold or silver buckles were popular in the 18th century, giving the finishing touches to elegant dress. They were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men, who wore matching shoe and knee buckles, those at the knee fastening breeches at the side.
Making buckles became a highly skilled craft at which English silversmiths excelled. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys.
This buckle is one of a pair, with Museum no. 950-1864.
Making buckles became a highly skilled craft at which English silversmiths excelled. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys.
This buckle is one of a pair, with Museum no. 950-1864.
Object details
| Categories | |
| Object type | |
| Materials and techniques | Silver set with pastes |
| Brief description | Knee buckle, silver set with pastes, oval with anchor-shaped pinder, made in England, about 1770 |
| Physical description | Silver knee buckle, set with pastes. The buckle is oval with an anchor- shaped pinder. |
| Dimensions |
|
| Marks and inscriptions | No marks |
| Summary | Gold or silver buckles were popular in the 18th century, giving the finishing touches to elegant dress. They were one of the few pieces of jewellery worn by men, who wore matching shoe and knee buckles, those at the knee fastening breeches at the side. Making buckles became a highly skilled craft at which English silversmiths excelled. Exquisitely wrought designs, glittering pastes and precious stones reflected the status of the wearer as well as the occasion. Cheaper and plainer versions were made of steel, brass and other metal alloys. This buckle is one of a pair, with Museum no. 950-1864. |
| Associated object | 950-1864 (Pair) |
| Collection | |
| Accession number | 950A-1864 |
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| Record created | February 1, 2006 |
| Record URL |
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